Martingale System

Most blackjack players have two basic goals, to win and to have fun. Since losing is no fun, players basically just want to win. The best strategy is to find a game with the least house edge and to learn basic strategy play for that game. A slightly more advanced strategy is to combine favourable games, basic strategy and card counting to gain a slight edge over the house. A player using all of these smart strategies can expect a modest return on their gambling in the long run.

For some players, these strategies are not enough. They take time to learn and perfect, can take time to work and returns can be modest. This kind of player is also interested in betting systems such as the martingale. Where a strategy dictates how to play any given hand, a system dictates how much to wager (usually based on previous successes or losses).

The martingale system is one of the best known systems in gambling. There are a few reasons for this: It is very simple to use, can be applied to all kinds of casino games and it has been used for a long time. The martingale system is categorised as a ‘negative progression system’ meaning bets are raised after a loss. The opposite of this would be a positive progression system such as Parlay, Paroli or Oscar’s grind to name a few.

To use the martingale system, bets begin by wagering one unit. If you win, wagering returns to this initial point of one unit. If you lose however, the martingale system dictates that you double your previous bet. Successive losses mean you have to keep doubling your previous bet. When you eventually win a bet your losses will be covered by this win, and you will be up by a total of one unit.

For example starting with a $1 per hand bet: fist bet loses, next bet doubles to $2. The second bet also loses so the third bet will be $4. The third bet loses so the fourth bet is $8 which wins. Total losses = 1+2+4=$7. The fourth bet returns $16, the $8 bet plus $8 profit. Subtract the losses from the profit $8-$7=$1 up. When you win you will always be up by your initial betting amount. After a win you return to base bets of $1.

The system works on the presumption that you will win eventually. The problem with martingale is that within a relatively short string of losses, you will either not afford to place the required bet size, or will reach the table maximum bet limit.

To calculate the probability of losing x hands in a row we use the probability of losing any hand in blackjack which is 52.51%. From this we calculate the odds of losing x hands in a row as 1/(0.5251^x). These probabilities are outlined in the table below.

As you can see the odds of getting several successive losses are not that remote. A table with a $10 minimum will likely have a $500 table limit. Using martingale, after just 6 successive losses you would be unable to make the $640 bet needed to continue.

To use martingale in even money bets games (craps or roulette), you need a bank roll 200x greater than your base bet. Using a $1 base requires a bankroll of at least $200 for these games. In blackjack your required bankroll is four times greater because of splits or double downs. This is why table limits can be so problematic (that’s if you can afford the necessary bankroll in the first place).

Remember:

• No betting system will work in the long run.
• You can be risking huge sums of money just to make a profit of your original one unit bet.
• Table maximums often make martingale unworkable.
• There are other betting systems that put your money at far less risk.
• If you absolutely have to try the martingale system, please keep your play as short as possible.

We don’t advocate the use of any betting strategy. While such systems can work in the short term they can be financially devastating in the longer term. Loss odds calculated above are indicative only and are based on a blackjack loss percentage derived by the wizardofodds.com. We advise all players to stick to basic strategy, betting spreads they can afford and most importantly so set gambling budgets.

Now you’ve read about martingale, why not read about some other betting systems to see which (if any) is right for you.